Dawn Willey profile picture

Dawn Willey

About Me

I live in my hometown of St. Petersburg, FL. I've been playing piano since the age of 5, guitar since my teens and singing forever. Performing is my passion! During the past year, I have performed locally as a solo artist after a decade-long break from the profession. My life has been busy – raising three sons (ages 15, 13 and 11), earning an MSW and working full-time as a social worker in Pinellas County. Primarily a cover artist, I have been focusing more energy into writing my own songs and have 10 originals to date. Meeting my partner Donna, the love of my life, has been a huge source of inspiration! I contribute all of my happiness and success to being in recovery, and am committed to supporting others in their quest for freedom from addiction.Rocco with Prostar Recording writes, "she sings and writes her songs with the strength of her feelings and the courage to express them. Dawn's live performances highlight her solid guitar and keyboard playing, backing her strong, throaty, Janis Joplin-like vocals. Dawn puts herself on the line emotionally, and listeners sense that she is the "real thing".Quickstar Productions will be including my song "Sum of Our Parts" on an upcoming acoustic compilation due to be released in August. This is a video of me playing the song live at PJs StorytellersIn the summer of 2007, I recorded my first CD entitiled "Dawn of a New Generation" at Prostar Recording in St. Petersburg. It includes 4 original songs (2 on guitar, 2 keyboard) and 5 of my favorite cover tunes. The CDs are always available to purchase for $10.00 at my gigs. My plan is to continue writing and begin recording an ALL ORIGINAL CD soon :)

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 8/10/2007
Band Members: Still performing as a solo singer/songwriter.Recently started jamming with an awesome band and having A LOT of fun :)Dawn - Lead vocals, keyboard & acoustic guitar, Dave - Drums, John - Bass & backup vocals, Robin - electric guitar & backup vocalsWe will be primarily a Classic Rock/R&B/Groove cover band. Working on developing our repetoire and hope to be gigging together by June! Will keep you posted.WHAT DO YOU THINK OF "Dawn Willey and SPELLBOUND" for a name?? Any other suggestions let me know :)Check out this new video montage of my original song: "Never Felt Like This": Created by our dear friend Jackie O. THIS IS THE VIDEO THAT WON US OUR TRIP TO SAN FRAN TO GET MARRIED!!! THANK YOU JACKIE :) We LOVE you!!
Influences: DANCING WITH DONNA ON VALENTINE'S DAY!! WHAT A BLAST :) ..Carole King, Janis Joplin, Melissa Etheridge, Indigo Girls, Jewel, Sarah Mclachlan, PINK, Madonna, Tracy Chapman, Cat Stevens, Bette Midler, Tori Amos, The Beatles, Bonnie Raitt, Roberta Flack, U2, Peter, Paul & Mary... Pretty eclectic, huh? The list could go on and on... I love music! All kinds of music. Many local Indie artists are now influencing me as well ~ Lorna Bracewell, Lexi Pierson, Chucky Luv, Rebekah Pulley, Stephanie Carpenter, Stephanie Anderson... The amount of talent in the Tampa Bay area continues to inspire awe and a desire to continue pursuing my passion as well. Thank you all for the inspiration!
Sounds Like: Me, I guess. Listen to my songs and tell me what you think :)These videos were shot live by Stephanie Anderson at her PJs Storytellers night in Clearwater. It was a great time!!NEW SONGS "Hamster Wheel""Lanette's Song"
Record Label: CURRENTLY UNSiGNED

My Blog

Check out this event: Dawn Willey Opening The Girlie Show at Skipper's Smokehouse

Hosted By:Freight Train AnnieWhen:Tuesday, February 24, 2009Where:Skipper's Smokehouse910 Skipper RoadTampa33613Description:The Girlie Show is a monthly event at Skipper's Smokehouse. 4 local acts per...
Posted by on Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:56:00 GMT

"Be The Change" on Music Tampa Bay Top 48

Hello all,   I am very excited to announce that another one of my original tracks "Be The Change" is now being played on a local online radio show called Music Tampa Bay.   The song ha...
Posted by on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 03:01:00 GMT

Blown away by the singer/songwriter community

After nearly a decade of putting my music on the back burner, only playing for family and friends in the confines of my living room, I reentered the scene in February 2007. When I had performed in the...
Posted by on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:48:00 GMT

The Best Christmas Ever

What an amazing holiday this has been! Coming out of almost a three week period of being ill, I was unsure how to muster up the motivation, energy and Christmas spirit to make things happen. The cool ...
Posted by on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 17:36:00 GMT

Looking for the Lessons

Hello all, This is my first blog entry ever. I've always been slow about embracing new technology and modes of communication. For years, I resisted emailing and surfing the net. It took me a long time...
Posted by on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 08:07:00 GMT